Early Years Practitioners - Rydes Hill Nursery

Girls' Schools Association; Guildford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Free lunch when Nursery is in session

Job summary

Rydes Hill School is seeking enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners to join our nursery team. From September 2026 we extend provision to babies from 6 months, with a 7.30am–6pm daily schedule. Practice EYFS, nurture creativity, and work closely with Room Leaders, carers and professionals to support each child’s well‑being and development.

The role emphasises warmth, care, and a proactive approach to learning in a bright, inclusive setting with a focus on confidence and curiosity.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare.
• Duties include implementing the EYFS curriculum and acting as a Key Person for an allocated group of children.
• Support the wellbeing and development of nursery children in partnership with parents and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Support Room Leaders and the team in delivering high quality care, teaching and learning for all children.
• Promote a warm, safe, and stimulating early years learning environment.
• Maintain strong safeguarding practices and contribute to a positive home‑from‑home atmosphere.

Education

Level 3 qualification in childcare

Job description

Early Year Practitioners

Required for October 2026 or as soon as possible. Full-time or Part-time.

Part of the Tormead family, Rydes Hill Pre‑Prep and Nursery is a nurturing, home-from-home school where children are carefully guided through each stage of their early development, supported to flourish both academically and personally. At the heart of learning at Rydes Hill are the Five Cs: Courage, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Curiosity. These values are embedded in every lesson, equipping children with essential life skills that extend far beyond the classroom and into adulthood. Teachers carefully capture children’s interests and imagination, fostering confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

From September 2026, we are excited to be building upon the success of our current nursery classes by extending our provision to welcome babies from 6 months. We inspire imaginations, creating and nurturing capable, curious learners, preparing each child for a positive and happy transition to the next stage of their school journey. The Nursery operates for 48 weeks per year, from 7.30am to 6pm, in a bright, spacious, and inspirational learning environment with dedicated outside areas.

We are seeking enthusiastic, nurturing and highly motivated Early Years Practitioners to join our friendly team in delivering high-quality care, teaching and learning experiences for all children. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a vibrant and caring independent school community that values every child’s unique potential. The successful candidates will work closely with Room Leaders to support all aspects of nursery life, fostering a safe, stimulating, and nurturing learning environment to allow our pupils to thrive. Daily responsibilities include working in partnership with parents, carers and professionals to promote the well‑being of the children, implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and acting as a Key Person for an allocated group of children.

Candidates will have a genuine love and passion for early years education, creating a sense of fun, joy and creativity for the children, ensuring a warm, happy home‑from‑home environment for our youngest learners. Candidates will hold a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in childcare and will have a warm and caring attitude and a genuine desire to make a positive difference to children’s learning.

This is in all‑year round position but both full‑time and part‑time hours are considered. We offer a friendly and inclusive working environment, and our benefits package includes a competitive salary of £27,248 to £31,200 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, professional development opportunities, and free lunch when Nursery is in session.

Rydes Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS check. We conduct online searches for all shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks. including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS check.